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Organized at Little Rock as state militia with an undeermined number of companies in the early spring of 1861 under the command of Col. Solon Borland. Participated in the seizure of the Little Rock Arsenal in February, 1861, and in the expedition to seize the federal arsenal at Fort Smith in April, 1861. Augmented with additional companies to regimental strength and redesignated as the 1st Arkansas Mounted Volunteers on July 24, 1861. This regiment was subsequently taken into Confederate service as the 3rd Arkansas Cavalry Regiment, under which designation it served for the remainder of the war.
References: Calvin Collier, The War Child's Children
Organized with 5 companies in July, 1861 under the command of Major William H. Brooks, and assigned to McIntosh's Brigade in McCulloch's Division in northwest Arkansas. Fought at the Leetown battlefield at Pea Ridge on March 7-8, 1862. Following the Confederate retreat from Pea Ridge, the battalion was dismounted and reorganized under the command of Lt. Col. Ras Stirman to serve as infantry in April, 1862. Marched with the Army of the West to Corinth, Mississippi later that month where it served in General Dabney Maury's division during the Corinth campaign. Companies B, C, and D of Williamson's Infantry Battalion were assigned to the battalion on May 25, 1862, and redesignated as Companies H, G, and F respectively in the new organization. The battalion was further consolidated with Bridge's Sharpshooter Battalion on August 1, 1862, and the consolidated unit was redesignated as Stirman's Sharpshooter Regiment on August 1, 1862. Fought in the Battle of Corinth on October 3-4, 1862, and following the subsequent retreat from Corinth, fought a valiant rear guard action at Hatchie Bridge. Reassigned to Craven's (later Green's) brigade in the defenses of Vicksburg, where it fought with distinction throughout the battles of the Vicksburg campaign; at Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, and the Big Black River Bridge. Served in the Vicksburg defenses throughout the siege of that stongpoint, and was surrendered with the Vicksburg garrison on July 4, 1863. The survivors were paroled later that month, and sent back to Arkansas to regroup and reorganize. Conducted a scout of the state fromWaldron to Mount Ida to Caddo Gap and Dallas on December 2-, 1863. Served in Fagan's Cavalry Division during Price's Missouri Raid in September and October of 1864, and at battle of Ivey's Ford on January 17, 1865. Surrendered with Gen. Kirby Smith's army in May 26, 1865.
References: Albert O. McCollom, The War-time Letters of Albert O. McCollom
Organized at Little Rock, Arkansas on June 16, 1861 under the command of Colonel Thomas J. Churchill. Company A was the "Chicot Rangers"; Company B the "Des Arc Rangers"; Company C the "Johnson Cavalry"; Company D the "Augusta Guards"; Company E the "Conway Cavalry"; Company F the "Pulaski Lancers"; Company G the "Napoleon Cavalry"; Company H the "Dardanelle Rangers" of Yell county; Company I the "McCulloch Rangers"; Company K the "Independence Cavalry"; and Company L the "Desha Cavalry".
Initially assigned to McCulloch's Brigade near Fayetteville, Arkansas, the regiment participated in the campaign to reinforce General Sterling Price's Missouri State Guard in southwestern Missouri in July and August, 1861, fighting in the battles at Neosho and Wilson's Creek (called "Oak Hills" by the Confederates). Returned to Arkansas after Wilson's Creek and served in the Indian Territory against a number of Unionist Cherokee units in September and October, 1861. Wintered near Strickler's Station, and marched with the Army of the West in late February, 1862, fighting in a number of small skirmishes culminating in the Battle of Pea Ridge on March 7-8, 1862. Retreated with the Army of the West to Van Buren, and from there marched east to join the Confederate forces massing at Corinth, Mississippi. Dismounted at DeValls Bluff, Arkansas, in April 1862 and fought as infantry for the remainder of the war. Reorganized at Corinth, MS on May 1, 1862, re-enlisting for three years or the duration of the War.
Colonel Churchill was promoted to brigade command at Corinth, and the regiment was assigned to his brigade in McCown's Division, which accompanied Kirby Smith's army in an attempt to re-occupy Kentucky in the summer and early fall of 1862. General Churchill was reassigned to a command in Arkansas in July, and General McNair assumed command of the brigade. The brigade fought in the battle of Richmond, KY on August 29-30, 1862. Following the Battle of Perryville fought by Bragg's army in October, Kirby Smith's army followed Bragg back into middle Tennessee where it was merged with Bragg's Army of Tennessee. The regiment fought at the battle of Murfreesboro on December 30, 1862 - January 2, 1863. In the early summer of 1863, McNair's brigade was detailed to GeneraL Joe Johnston's forces in an attempt to relieve the federal siege of Vicksburg, and fought in the siege of Jackson, MS. Following the fall of both Vicksburg and Jackson, the brigade returned to Bragg's Army of Tennessee near Tullahoma, and fought in all of that army's battles for the remainder of the war... at Chickamauga; Chattanooga, the Atlanta Campaign including Dug Gap, Resaca, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, Ezra Church, the siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy's Station and Moon's Station; the battles of Spring Hill, Franklin, and Nashville, Sugar Creek, the Carolinas Campaign, and Bentonville. Consolidated with the 2nd Arkansas Mounted Rifles, 4th Arkansas Infantry Battalion, and the 4th, 9th, and 25th Arkansas Infantry regiments and the consolidated unit renamed as the 1st Mounted Rifles Regiment (Consolidated)(Dismounted) at the last reorganization of the Army of Tennessee near Smithville, North Carolina on April 9, 1865. Surrendered with the Army of Tennessee near Durham Station, North Carolina on April 26, 1865.
Officers: Colonel Thomas J. Churchill. Field Officers: Major William P. Campbell; Lt. Col. Morton G. Galloway; Major (later Colonel) Robert W. Harper; Major (later Lt. Col.) George S. Laswell; Lt. Col. Charles H. Matlock; Major (later Lt. Col. and Col.) Leander M. Ramsaur; Major (later Lt.Col., Col., and Brigadier General) Daniel H. Reynolds; Major (later Lt. Col.) George W. Wells
References: Robert H. Dacus, Reminiscences of Company "H", First Arkansas Mounted Rifles
Organized in June, 1861, and assigned to Pearce's Brigade, Arkansas State Troops near Fayetteville in August of that year. Fought at the battle of Oak Hills (Wilson's Creek) on August 10, 1861 and returned to northwest Arkansas later that month. In a spate of political squabbling, Pearce disbanded all his units of State Troops on September 19 rather than enlist them for Confederate service. Most members of the 1st Arkansas Cavalry re-enlisted for Confederate service in the 1st Arkansas (Carroll's - Thomson's) Cavalry Regiment early in 1862.
Officers: Col. DeRosey Carroll
Organized from the former members of the 1st Arkansas Cavalry Regiment (State Troops) near Fort Smith in October, 1862. Commanded by Colonel Charles A. Carroll, Lt. Col. J. A. Johnson, and Major (later Lt. Col. and Col.) Lee L. Thomson. Assigned to Cabell's Cavalry Brigade, serving in northern Arkansas. Fought at battles of Cane Hill (11/28/1862), Prairie Grove (12/7-8/1862), and Marmaduke's expedition into Missouri during December 31, 1862 to January 25, 1863. One company was detached to serve as escort and headquarters guard for Colonel Carroll upon his promotion to brigade command in March, 1863. The regiment fought at Fayetteville on April 18, 1863, and at Devil's Backbone on September 1, 1863. Regiment was reorganized and renamed as the 4th (Gordon's) Arkansas Cavalry Regiment on December 15, 1863.
Organized at Camden with 12 companies on December 30, 1863 under the command of Col. William A. Crawford, Field officers were Lt. Col. Dawson L. Kilgore and Major John W. Walker. Assigned to Fagan's Cavalry Division where it served throughout the Camden Expedition in March through May of 1864. Fought at the Battle of Poison Springs (April 18, 1864) and Marks' Mill (April 25, 1864). Following the federal repulse at Jenkins Ferry in May, the regiment accompanied General Sterling Price on his raid through Missouri in September and October of 1864. Surrendered with General Kirby Smith in southwestern Arkansas on May 26, 1865.
Also Known As: Crawford's 10th Cavalry Regiment
References: Edwin Bearss, Steele's Retreat From Camden and the Battle of Jenkins' Ferry
Organized with eight companies (A-H) in April, 1863 by incresing Chrisman's Arkansas Cavalry Battalion to near-regimental strength. Commanded by Colonel Archibald S. Dobbins and Major Samuel M. Corley. Assigned to the Arkansas Cavalry Brigade in Walker's Division in June, 1863. Fought in the battle of Helena on July 4, 1863. Colonel Dobbins assumed command following General Walker's death in a duel immediately prior to the federal attack on Little Rock in September, 1863. The regiment participated with Walker's old division in the Little Rock campaign at the Terry's Ferry crossing and at Fourche Bayou, retreating to the vicinity of Benton following the fall of Little Rock. Fought in the battle of Pine Bluff on October 25, 1863. The regiment was broken up on January 3, 1864, and the men reassigned to Morgan's 2nd Arkansas Cavalry Regiment.
Organized at Camp Shavers, near Pine Bluff as Johnson's Cavalry Battalion on or about August 10, 1862 by consolidating twelve independent cavalry companies under the command of Major A.N. Johnson, pending the arrival of Colonel Fagan, the appointed commander. Company commanders were Captains Wheat, Raulston, Porter, Young, Davis (from Jefferson county), O'Neill, George A. Davis, Reefis, Todd, Brown, and Hanson. These companies were originally ordered to Pine Bluff in order to form a regiment to be commanded by Colonel Francis M. Chrisman, but these orders were rescinded by General Hindman, and the regiment was formed under Major Johnson, and later by Colonel Fagan upon his arrival at Camp Shavers. The first commander was Colonel James F. Fagan, field officers were Lt. Col. (later Col.) James C. Monroe, Major A.H. Johnson, later Major M.D. Davis, Major (later Lt. Col.) James M. O'Neal, and Major (later Lt. Col.) A.V. Reiff. Initially assigned to General M.M. Parsons' brigade near Pine Bluff, then to Caroll's Brigade, Marmaduke's Cavalry Division of Hindman's 1st Corps of the Trans-Mississippi in November, 1862. Fought at Battles of Cane Hill on November 28, and at Prairie Grove on December 7, 1862. Accompanied and fought with Marmaduke's expedition into Missouri during December 31, 1862 - January 25, 1863. Reassigned to Cabell's Brigade in April 1863, where it fought at the battle of Fayetteville on April 18th. Fought at Devil's Backbone on September 1, 1863, and at Pine Bluff on October 25, 1863. Participated in the Confederate counterattacks against federal General Frederick Steele's Camden Expedition in March-May, 1864, fighting at the battles of Poison Springs and Marks' Mill. 13th Arkansas Cavalry Battalion was temporarily attached to Monroe's 1st Regiment during 1864. Participated in Price's Missouri Raid during September and October of 1864, thereafter served in southwestern Arkansas for the remainder of the War. Surrendered with General Kirby Smith on May 26, 1865.
Organized in northeast Arkansas with 5 companies in February, 1862 under the command of Major W.D. Barnett. Sent east of the Mississippi and assigned to Hindman's Brigade, Hardee's Division, of the Army of Central Kentucky later that month. This command went to Columbus, KY, thence to Bowling Green, and performed outpost duty along the Green River. It covered, with other cavalry units, the retreat of General Albert Sydney Johnston out of Kentucky, to Nashville, Tennessee, and on to Corinth, MS. Served as a screening and security force at Shiloh and covered General Beauregard's retreat from Shiloh back to Corinth. and in the Corinth Campaign as part of Beall's Cavalry Brigade. Consolidated with Phifer's 6th Arkansas Cavalry battalion at Corinth, MS on May 15, 1862, and the consolidated unit renamed as the 2nd Arkansas Cavalry Regiment.
Organized under the command of Lt. Col. John C. Wright and Major James W. Bowie with an unknown number of companies for local defense in late 1863. Increased to regimental strength in February, 1864, and renamed as the 12th Arkansas Cavalry Regiment.
Organized on May 15, 1862 at Corinth, Mississippi by consolidating the 2nd and Phifer's 6th Arkansas Cavalry Battalions under the command of Colonel William F. Slemons. Field officers were Lt. Cols. H.R. Withers and Thomas M. Cochran , and Majors Thomas J. Reid, Jr., and William J. Somervell. Thomas Garrison was adjutant, W. Leeper quartermaster, and Wat Strong served as commissary. Company commanders were Co. A, Cpt. A.H. Christian, Co. B, Cpt. Joseph Earle (later H.S. Hudspeth); Co. C, Cpt. Thomas Cochran; Co. D, Cpt. James Portis (later Cpt. Watt Green); Co. E, Cpt. J.S. Somerville, (later Cpt. William Cooper); Co. F, Cpt. O.B.. Tebbs; Co. G, Cpt. E.L. Murtree (later Cpt. C. Stell); Co. H, Cpt. Phil Echols (later Cpt. James Oliver), Co. I, Cpt. M.L. Hawkins.
On the retreat from Corinth to Tupelo, MS the 2nd Arkansas again served as part of the rear guard of the army, under General John C. Breckinridge. On July 3, 1862 it was ordered with Clayton's 2nd Alabama Cavalry against the Federals at Booneville, MS, who were completely routed. Together with the 2nd Missouri Cavalry, it was ordered under Gen. Frank C. Armstrong to Tennessee, where it met at Middleburg, TN, the Federals under Colonel Leggett and defeated them, killing and wounding large numbers of the Federal force. About the last of July (1862) the 2nd Arkansas, under Col. Slemons, along with the 2nd Missouri and the 4th Mississippi engaged the escort of Federal cavalry and artillery guarding a train of supplies at Britton's Lane, TN, and after a stubborn fight of three hours captured the train, along with 300 prisoners and two pieces of artillery. The 2nd Arkansas lost 70 men killed or wounded in this engagement. In the campaigns of Price and Pemberton in early 1863 defending the approaches to Vicksburg, the 2nd Arkansas was in continuous active service, opposing Federal thrusts at Iuka, Colliersville, Salem, the Yazoo Pass, at Charleston, Austin, and near Commerce Mississippi and along the Coldwater River there. Under the command of Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest in late 1863, it participated in the masterly movements of that greatest of cavlry commanders, encircling armies, taking cities, capturing trains, and burning bridges. The 2nd Arkansas was transferred to the Trans-Mississippi in April, 1864, in time to fight with Cabell's, Gano's, and Dockery's brigades in the Camden Expedition including the battles of Poison Spring, Marks' Mills, and Jenkins' Ferry. It then served with Price's Army on the raid to the Missouri River in September and October of 1864, and engaged in the battles of Pilot Knob, Independence, West Point, and Marais des Cygnes, in Kansas. At this last battle, Colonel Slemons' horse was killed and fell with him, the saddle catching the colonel's leg under him so that he could nor disengage himself. Col Slemons, a number of his officers, 100 of his men, and two artillery pieces were captured and sent as prisoners of war to Johnson Island, later to Rock Island, where they were imprisoned until after the end of the war. The remainder of the regiment was reduced to battalion size at this time, and so was reorganized and renamed as the 18th Arkansas Cavalry Battalion.
Also Known As: Slemon's 4th Arkansas Cavalry Regiment
References: T.C. Dupree, The War-time Letters of Captain T.C. Dupree, C.S.A., 1864-1865
The 2nd Regiment, Arkansas Mounted Rifles was organized at Osage Prairie, Arkansas on July 29th, 1861 under the command of Colonel James McQueen McIntosh, with field officers Lt. Col. Ben T. Embry, Major Henry K. Brown, Adjutant W.H. Elstner, Surgeon W.L. DeBerry, and Sergeant Major J.W. Head. Company commanders were: Co. A, from Bentonville, Cpt. William Gipson; Co. B, from Galla Rock, Cpt. Ben T. Embry (succeeded in command by 1LT Peter W. Parker upon the former's promotion to Lt. Col..); Co. C, Cpt James M. King; Co. D, from Bentonville, Cpt. John A. Arrington; Co. E, from Arkadelphia, Cpt. Harris Flanagin; Co. F, Cpt James L. Witherspoon; Co. G, the "Sevier Rifles" of Paraclifta, Cpt. Henry K. Brown; Co. H, the "Hempstead Cavalry" of Old Washington, Cpt. George E. Gamble; Co. I, Cpt. William F. Patterson; and Co. K, Cpt. C.G. Reagan. Cpt. Edwin R. Hawkins' company, the "Texas Fencibles" of Daingerfield, TX was temporarily assigned to the 2nd Mounted Rifles until more companies arrived to form a new Texas regiment, and later was reassigned as Co. A, 4th Texas Cavalry Battalion in November, 1861.
Initially assigned to McCulloch's Brigade near the Arkansas-Missouri border, the 2nd Mounted Rifles first fought in the battle of Wilson's Creek, MO on August 10, 1861. Returning to Arkansas, the regiment served as the core of a force sent to the Indian Territory to quell a possible Indian uprising, fighting the Creeks and Seminoles under Hopoeithleyohola at Chustenlah, in present-day Osage County, OK on December 26, 1861. Col McIntosh was promoted to brigadier general, and Lt. Col. Embry assumed command of the regiment. McCulloch's brigade went into winter quarters at Fort Smith, and in February 1862, moved north to Strickler's Station where they linked up with Price's Missouri State Guard under MG Earl Van Dorn to form the Army of the West. The regiment was engaged on the Leetown battlefield at Pea Ridge on March 7, 1862, and afterwards retreated to Van Buren, AR. From there, the regiment moved overland with the Army of the West to Corinth, MS. Dismounted at DeValls Bluff, Arkansas, in April 1862 and fought as infantry for the remainder of the war. Reorganized at Corinth, MS on May 1, 1862, re-enlisting for three years or the duration of the War, and held new elections, replacing all the company commanders and field officers. The regiment participated in the campaign around Corinth that spring, and in the battle of Farmington on May 9. 1862.
The 2nd Mounted Rifles were then assigned to BG T.J. Churchill's brigade in McCown's Division, which accompanied Kirby Smith's army in an attempt to re-occupy Kentucky in the summer and early fall of 1862. General Churchill was reassigned to a command in Arkansas in July, and General McNair assumed command of the brigade. The brigade fought in the battle of Richmond, KY on August 29-30, 1862. Following the Battle of Perryville fought by Bragg's army in October, Kirby Smith's army followed Bragg back into middle Tennessee where it was merged with Bragg's Army of Tennessee. The regiment fought at the battle of Murfreesboro on December 30, 1862 - January 2, 1863. In the early summer of 1863, McNair's brigade was detailed to General Joe Johnston's forces in an attempt to relieve the federal siege of Vicksburg, and fought in the siege of Jackson, MS. Following the fall of both Vicksburg and Jackson, the brigade returned to Bragg's Army of Tennessee near Tullahoma, and fought in all of that army's battles for the remainder of the war... at Chickamauga; Chattanooga, the Atlanta Campaign including Dug Gap, Resaca, New Hope Church, Pine Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, Moore's Hill, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, Ezra Church, the siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy's Station and Moon's Station; the battles of Spring Hill, Franklin, and Nashville, Sugar Creek, the Carolinas Campaign, and Bentonville. Consolidated with the 1st Arkansas Mounted Rifles, 4th Arkansas Infantry Battalion, and the 4th, 9th, and 25th Arkansas Infantry regiments and the consolidated unit renamed as the 1st Mounted Rifles Regiment (Consolidated)(Dismounted) at the last reorganization of the Army of Tennessee near Smithville, North Carolina on April 9, 1865. Surrendered with the Army of Tennessee near Durham Station, North Carolina on April 26, 1865.
Officers: Col (later Brigadier General) James Q. McIntosh. Field Officers: Major Henry K. Brown; Major (later Lt. Col.) James P. Eagle; Lt. Col. (later Col.) Benjamin T. Embry; Colonel Harris Flanagin; Major William Gipson; Major (later Lt. Col.) James T. Smith; Lt. Col. (later Col.) James A. Willaimson
References: Wesley Thurman Leeper, Rebels Valiant - The Second Arkansas Mounted Rifles (Dismounted) (Complete unit history and muster rolls)
Organized with 12 companies on December 24, 1863 by renaming the 5th Arkansas Cavalry regiment and assigning the remnants of Dobbin's 1st Arkansas Cavalry to bring the companies up to authorized strength. Commanded by Colonel Thomas J. Morgan; field officers were Lt. Col. John W. Coarser, Major (later Lt. Col.) John P. Bull, and Major Willaim N. Portis. Assigned to Cabell's Brigade in December, 1863, the regiment fought through most of the Camden Expedition, including the battles at Poison Springs and Marks' Mills in March and April of 1864, and served on Price's Missouri Raid in September and October of 1864, including the battle of Marais des Cygnes. Surrendered with General Kirby Smith on May 26, 1865.
The 3rd Arkansas Cavalry was organized at Little Rock, Arkansas, on June 10, 1861 under the command of Colonel Solon Borland, and was initially known as the 1st Arkansas Mounted Volunteers. On acceptance into Confederate service on July 24, 1861, the regiment was renamed as the 3rd Arkansas Cavalry on January 15, 1862.
The regiments officers on its final organization at Corinth on May 26, 1862 were Colonel Samuel G. Earle, Lt. COl. Anson W. Hobson, Major Marzaime J. Henderson, Adjutant Lt. Armistead Burwell, Quartermaster Cpt. John L. McClellan, Commissary Cpt. David W. Dodd, and Sergeant Major Lewis B. Noland. Company commanders were A Co, from Dallas county, Cpt. William L.M. Holmes; B Co., from Perry County, Cpt. William H. Blackwell; C Co., from Saline County, Cpt. John D. Logan; D Co., from Pulaski county, Cpt. R.M. King; E Co., from Pulaski county, Cpt. A.B. Duke; E Co., from Pope county, Cpt. James L. Adams; F Co., from Hot Spring county, Cpt. Steven Jester; G Co., from Ouachita county, Cpt. George W. Winburne; H Co., from Ouachita County, Cpt. Alonzo Montgomery; I Co., from Conway county, Cpt. Marion E. Davis; and K Co., from Yell County, Cpt. W.B. Keeton.
The regiment was initially ordered to Pocahontas for mustering into Confederate service, and remained in camp there until ordered to join the Army of the West at DeValls Bluff in April, 1862, during that army's move east of the Mississippi. Dismounted at DeValls Bluff to serve as infantry on General Van Dorn's orders. Served dismounted in the Corinth campaign in the summer of 1862, and at the battle of Corinth on October 3-4, 1862. Remounted to serve as cavalry in November, 1862 and assigned to the Cavalry Corps of the Army of Mississippi, where they particpated in Van Dorn's raid and capture of Holly Springs, MS on December 20. Assigned to Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry corps after the death of Van Dorn in April, 1863, they served ina number of raids, skirmishes, and campaigns including Thompson's Station (Mar. 5, 1863); Franklin (Apr. 10, 1863); the Tullahoma campaign in June, 1863; the battle of Chickamauga on Sept. 19-20, 1863; the siege of Chattanooga in September through November, 1863; the siege of Knoxville, TN in November, 1863; and under the command of "Fighting Joe" Wheeler, through the Atlanta Campaign and the siege of Atlanta, in cavalry clashes at Flat Shoals, Browns' Mill, Strawberry Plains, and Thompson's Station; in opposing Sherman's March to the Sea (the Savannah campaign in November and December of 1864); and in the Carolinas campaign in February through April of 1865. Surrendered with General Joseph Johnston and the Army of Tennessee near Durham Station, North Carolina, on April 26, 1865.
References: Calvin L. Collier, The War Child's Children: The Story of the 3rd Regiment Arkansas Cavalry, C.S.A. (Complete unit history and muster rolls)
Organized near Camden, Arkansas on December 15, 1863 by renaming Carroll's-Thompson's 1st Arkansas Cavalry as the 4th Cavalry regiment, and placing it under the command of Colonel Anderson Gordon. Field officers were Lt. Col. J.A. Johnson and Majors John A. Arrington and William A. Fayth. The regiment was assigned to Cabell's Brigade, where it served throughout the Camden expedition, including the battles at Poison Springs and Marks' Mills, and during Price's Missouri Raid in September and October of 1864. Surrendered with General Kirby Smith on May 26, 1865.
Also Known As: Gordon's 4th Arkansas Cavalry Reg't; 9th Arkansas Cavalry Reg't, 11th Arkansas Cavalry Re'gt.
Organized with 12 companies at Little Rock, Arkansas in April, 1863 under the command of Colonel Robert C. Newton. Participated in the battles of Helena on July 4, 1863. Assigned to the Arkansas Cavalry Brigade, Walker's (later Dobbins') Cavalry Division in June 1863. Fought throughout the battles of the Little Rock campaign (Brownsville, Reed's Bridge, and Bayou Fourche) in September, 1863. Participated in the battle of Pine Bluff on October 25, 1863. Unit designation changed to the 2nd (Morgan's) Cavalry Regiment effective December 24, 1863.
Officers: Col. Robert C. Newton. Field Officers: Lt. Col. John P. Bull; Major John Smith
Organized with four Arkansas companies and two companies from Louisiana, enlisting for the duration of the war in June, 1861. Assigned to the cavalry of Hardee's Division in the Army of Central Kentucky in October, 1861. Participated in skirmishes at Brownsville, KY and Rowlett's Station, KY on November 20 and December 17, 1861 respectively. Strength reduced to three companies in April, 1862. Moved to Corinth, Mississippi in March, 1862 and the battalion was consolidated with the 2nd Arkansas Cavalry Battalion to form the 2nd Arkansas Infantry Regiment at Corinth, Mississippi on May 15, 1862.
Officers: Major Charles W. Phifer; Major Archibald J. McNeill; Major David G. White
See the entry for the 1st (Fagan's - Monroe's) Arkansas Cavalry.
Organized on July 25, 1863, by augmenting Hill's Cavalry Battalion to regimental strength. Assigned to Cabell's Cavalry Brigade. Operated mostly in the Indian Territory from July to November, 1863; and was engaged at the Devil's Backbone battle on September 1, 1863. Brigade was subsequently attached to Marmaduke's Cavalry Division from November 1863 to January 1864; and participated in the Condfederate harassment of the Camden Expedition, fighting at the battles of Poison Springs and Marks' Mill in April, 1864. Participated in Price's Missouri Expedition in September and October, 1864, and at the battle of Marais des Cygnes on October 25, 1864. Surrendered with General Kirby Smith on May 26, 1865.
Officers: Colonel John F. Hill. Field Officers: Lt. Col. Oliver Basham; Major James L. Adams; Major J.C. Ward
See the listing for the 4th (Gordon's) Arkansas Cavalry.
Witt's Arkansas Cavalry, commanded by Colonel Allen R. Witt, was composed primarily of men who had served with the Tenth Arkansas Infantry, been captured at Port Hudson, Louisiana, and after being exchanged, returned to Arkansas.
On numerous occasions, the unit served behind Federal lines. A Federal report indicated that it often employed female sympathizers to spy on Federal installations and troop movements, reporting the information obtained back to the command. One of these spies was reported to be operating in Little Rock in mid-November, 1864.
The unit served unattached throughout its career, with the exception of Price's Missouri Expedition in late 1864. During this time it was attached to Dobbins' Brigade in Fagan's division.
Below are the engagements in which the unit took part.
Unlike most of the units which accompanied Price after the Missouri expedition, Witt's Cavalry did not retreat all the way to northeastern Texas. The command remained, instead, in Arkansas, probably in order to continue its spying operations. The Third Arkansas (United States) Cavalry met and destroyed Witt's command at the Lewisburg engagement (near present-day Morrilton, in Conway county).
See the listing for the 1st (Crawford's) Arkansas Cavalry.
Organized on February 15, 1864 by augmenting the 2nd Arkansas Cavalry Battalion (State Troops) to regimental strength under the command of Colonel John C. Wright, Lt. Col. James W. Bowie, and Major George M. Wright. Assigned to Crawford's (later Slemons') Brigade in Fagan's 1st Arkansas Cavalry Division of Gen'l Sterling Price's cavalry corps, the 12th Arkansas participated in Confederate counterattacks on Union General Frederick Steele's Camden Expedition in March through May of 1864, fighting in the battles of Poison Springs and Marks' Mills. The regiment subsequently accompanied Fagan's division on Price's Missouri Raid in September and October of 1864, fighting in the battles of Pilot Knob (MO), Independence, and Marais des Cygnes (KS) along the way. Returned with Price to southwestern Arkansas in November, 1864 and remained in that area for the remainder of the war. Surrendered with General Kirby Smith on May 26, 1865.
Organized with from four to six companies in the spring of 1863 under the command of Major James L. Witherspoon. Assigned to Cabell's Cavalry Brigade in July, 1863 where it served in and along the border of the Indian Territory from July to November, participating in the battle of Devil's Backbone on September 1, 1863. Brigade was assigned to Marmaduke's Cavalry Division in southwest Arkansas in November, 1863 until January 1864, when it was temporarily attached to the 1st (Monroe's) Arkansas Cavalry Regimentwith Major James L. Witherspoon attached from the 1st Regiment as liaison. Participated with Monroe's Regiment in the Camden Expedition and Price's raid to the Missouri River in September and October of 1864. Returned after the raid to southwestern Arkansas/northeastern Texas, where it served out the rest of the War. Surrendered with General Kirby Smith in May, 1865.
Also Known As: 16th Arkansas Cavalry Battalion.
Organized on September 20, 1863 for service in the Indian Territory by transferring the four Arkansas companies from Clark's Missouri Infantry Regiment and placing them under the command of Lt. Col. Michael W. Buster in accordance with the provisions of Special Order #171, District of Arkansas, Dept. of the Trans-Mississippi. Dismounted to serve as infantry on June 11, 1864 by order of General Kirby Smith. No further record exist for this battalion after that point.
Organized with from five to seven companies on April 20, 1864 by renaming Crawford's Cavalry Battalion after that officer's promotion to brigade command, and placing the unit under the command of Lt. Col. John M. Harrell of Little Rock and Major J.W. Bishop. Assigned to Cabell's Brigade, where it served at the battle of Marks' Mills during the last part of the Camden Expedition. Accompanied the brigade as part of Fagan's 1st Arkansas Cavalry Division of Gen'l Sterling Price's cavalry corps on Price's Missouri Raid in September and October of 1864, fighting in the battles of Pilot Knob (MO), Independence, and Marais des Cygnes (KS) along the way. Returned with Price to southwestern Arkansas in November, 1864 and remained in that area for the remainder of the war. Surrendered with General Kirby Smith on May 26, 1865.
Organized in September, 1863 during Price's Missouri Raid by consolidating the remnants of the 2nd Arkansas Cavalry Regiment (Slemon's) to battalion size under the command of Lt. Col. Elisha L. McMurtrey. Assigned to Slemon's Brigade (later Crawford's) Brigade in Fagan's 1st Arkansas Cavalry Division of Gen'l Sterling Price's cavalry corps on Price's Missouri Raid in September and October of 1864, fighting in the battles of Pilot Knob (MO), Independence, and Marais des Cygnes (KS) along the way. Returned with Price to southwestern Arkansas in November, 1864 and remained in that area for the remainder of the war. Surrendered with General Kirby Smith on May 26, 1865.
Also Known As: McMurtrey's Cavalry Battalion.
Organized in southwest Arkansas in the summer of 1864 with four companies under the command of Captain William L. Anderson. Served in an unattached status with Fagan's Cavalry Division during Price's Missouri Raid in September and October, 1864. No other records have been found for this unit after the raid.
Organized in the summer of 1864 under the command of Colonel Charles H. Carlton, Lt. Col. R.H. Thompson, and Major D.J. Peoples. Assigned to Slemons' Brigade, Fagan's Cavalry Division during Price's Missouri Raid in September and October of 1864. Apparently disbanded after Slemons' defeat at Marais des Cygnes, not records for this unit after September, 1864.
Organized with four companies on September 28, 1862 under the command of Major Francis M. Chrisman. Assigned to Parson's Cavalry Brigade in central Arkansas. The battalion was increased to regimental strength in early 1863 and renamed as Dobbins' 1st Arkansas Cavalry Regiment.
Organized near Benton Arkansas with five to seven companies in March, 1863 under the command of Lt. Col. William A. Crawford.. Assigned to Cabell's Cavalry Brigade, the battalion fought in the battle of the Devil's Backbone on September 1, 1863, and throughout the Camden Expedition in March-April, 1864. Renamed as the 17th Arkansas Cavalry Battalion on April 20, 1864.
Organized in northeast Arkansas with five companies in March or April of 1865 under the command of a Lt. Col. Davies. Unattached, the unit served in the Jacksonport area until surrendered with BG M. Jeff Thompson and his soldiers on May 11, 1865.
Organized with an undetermined number of companies on August 27, 1864 under the command of Lt. Col. Barney Ford and Major E. O. Wolf. Assigned to Freeman's Brigade, Marmaduke's Division during Price's Missouri Raid in September and October of 1864. Apparently disbanded after the Raid in December, 1864
Organized in the early spring of 1864 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas M. Gunter and Major James Woosley. Assigned to Cabell's Brigade, Fagan's Cavalry Division , the battalion fought at Devils Backbone on September 1, 1863, throughou tthe Camden Expedition in March-May of 1864, including the battles of Poison Springs and Marks' Mills, and served during Price's Missouri Raid in September and October of 1864. Returned to southwestern Arkansas and northeast Texas after Price's Raid, and eventually surrendered with General Kirby Smith's forces on May 26, 1865.
Organized in April, 1863 with an undetermined number of companies under the command of Lt. Col. John F. Hill. Assigned to Cabell's Cavalry Brigade, operating in and along the border of the Indian Territory from April to July, 1863. Augmented to regimental size and renamed as the 7th Arkansas Cavalry Regiment on July 25, 1863.
Organized in August, 1862 at Camp Shaver (near Pine Bluff) under the command of Major A.H. Johnson. Battalion was increased to regimental size by consolidation to form the 1st Arkansas (Fagan's Monroe's) Cavalry Regiment in November, 1862.
Organized in the summer of 1864 in northeast Arkansas under the command of Colonel James H. McGehee and Lt. Col. Jesse S. Grider. Assigned to Dobbin's Brigade, Fagan's Cavalry Division in August, 1864. Patrolled and engaged in several minor skirmishes in northeastern Arkansas between September, 1862 and May, 1865. Surrendered at Jackonport, Arkansas with BG M. Jeff Thompson on May 11, 1865.
Also Known As: McGehee's Mounted Infantry Regiment
Organized on June 16, 1862 under the command of Lt. Col. Charles H. Matlock. Dismounted to serve as infantry on July 18, 1862, increased to regimental size and reorganized as the 32nd Arkansas Infantry Regiment on August 6, 1862.
Organized around April, 1865 near Jacksonport, Arkansas for service in northeast Arkansas. Served in the Army of the Northern sub-district of Arkansas under Brigadier General M. Jeff Thompson, and surrendered near Jacksonport with General Thompson on May 11, 1865.
Organized with two companies recruited from the survivors of the 11th Arkansas Infantry Regiment and soldiers from other units that had become scattered after the surrender of Port Hudson and the parole of its garrison late in July, 1863. Commanded by Major James T. Poe, former major of the 11th Arkansas. Assigned to Crawford's Brigade in Fagan's Cavalry Division in April, 1864. One company was transfered to Crawford's 1st Arkansas Cavalry Regiment as Company "M", the other company accompanied the remainder of the Confederate cavalry into the Red River area, where it remained until the end of the War. The company remained in Arkansas during Price's Missouri Raid, and probably operated as an independent scouting and patrol company. .
References: Anthony C. Rushing, Ranks of Honor: A Regimental History of the Eleventh Arkansas Infantry Regiment and Poe's Cavalry Battalion, C.S.A., 1861-1865.
